a thunderous clap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thunderous clap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a loud, booming sound, often associated with thunder or a similar noise. Example: "As the storm approached, a thunderous clap echoed across the valley, startling everyone in the vicinity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Reference

Social Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

A second video purported to show a thunderous blast.

The New York Times

Beijing succeeded in 1964 with a thunderous blast.

The New York Times

After the results were released, Damascus erupted into a thunderous, rolling clap of celebratory gunfire that appeared to include heavy weaponry.

The Guardian

Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama observed that, "there was thunderous clapping at the high points of the film, like the pensioner shedding his clothes.

Wikipedia

People who have seen their otherwise good dogs cower in fear at the thunderous claps or whistling sounds that accompany modern pyrotechnics will probably not be surprised to know that about 45percentt of dogs have a fireworks phobia, according to a study published in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science.

Huffington Post

She received a thunderous ovation.

The Economist

He received a thunderous ovation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A thunderous sound breaks overhead.

The Guardian - Film

His wife heard a thunderous sound.

The New York Times

It should be a thunderous game.

The Guardian - Sport

Kyrgios has a thunderous serve and a thunderous forehand and he's clearly got balls, too.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a thunderous clap" to vividly describe a loud and impactful instance of clapping, often at the peak of excitement or approval. This phrase helps add a dramatic flourish to the description.

Common error

Avoid using "a thunderous clap" for ordinary or quiet applause. It's best reserved for scenarios where the clapping is exceptionally loud and enthusiastic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thunderous clap" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It combines the adjective "thunderous," modifying the noun "clap," to create a vivid depiction of the sound's intensity. According to Ludwig AI, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a thunderous clap" is a grammatically sound and vivid phrase used to describe an exceptionally loud instance of clapping. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its usage is infrequent, indicating that there might be other ways preferred by writers. The phrase is appropriate for neutral to formal registers, mainly in descriptive or narrative contexts. Because of its rarity, remember to reserve it for scenarios where the clapping is truly remarkable to avoid overstatement. Consider semantically similar alternatives to vary your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a loud round of applause

A more general term for noticeable clapping.

a massive applause

Highlights the scale and broad nature of the clapping.

a deafening round of applause

Emphasizes the overwhelming loudness and celebratory nature.

a storm of applause

Emphasizes the intensity and widespread enthusiasm of the audience.

a resounding burst of applause

Focuses on the echoing and emphatic quality of the clapping.

a great ovation

Focuses on the level of enthusiastic response and approval.

a booming hand clap

Highlights the deep, resonant sound produced by the clapping.

a powerful hand clap

Showcases the sheer force and magnitude behind it.

an earth-shattering applause

Exaggerates the impact and intensity of the applause.

a vigorous applause

Describes the energetic and enthusiastic nature of the clapping.

FAQs

How can I describe extremely loud applause?

You can use phrases like "a deafening round of applause", "a resounding ovation", or "a thunderous ovation" to indicate the intensity and volume of the applause.

What's the difference between "a loud clap" and "a thunderous clap"?

"A loud clap" simply indicates that the clapping was easily audible, whereas "a thunderous clap" suggests that the clapping was exceptionally loud, powerful, and impactful, similar to the sound of thunder.

Is it appropriate to use "a thunderous clap" to describe any type of applause?

While grammatically correct, "a thunderous clap" is best reserved for situations where the applause is overwhelmingly loud and enthusiastic. Using it for regular applause may sound exaggerated or inappropriate.

What are some synonyms for "thunderous" to describe a loud sound?

Alternatives include "deafening", "resounding", "booming", "roaring", and "ear-splitting". The best choice depends on the specific sound and context you're describing.